Fortress of the Bear

The Basics

At the center, 30-minute tours are led by naturalist guides, generally with start times every hour. Following the tour of the facility, you’ll have time to view the bears on your own as they feed and play.

The Fortress of the Bear is a stop on many half- and full-day tours of Sitka, including both private and small-group options. The Alaskan city is known for its wildlife and Native American cultural heritage—as such, many tours also include a whale-watching cruise, a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center, or a stop at the Tlingit and Haida totem poles in Sitka National Historic Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

• This is a great stop for families. Naturalists offer kid-friendly explanations, and children under 7 get free admission.

• Plan to wear bug spray or protective clothing, as there are sometimes mosquitos here.

• The Fortress of the Bear is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The bear sanctuary is located at 4639 Sawmill Creek Road, about 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) south of Sitka. Even if you’re not visiting as part of a tour or shore excursion, some cruise operators offer shuttles to the sanctuary. Another option is the Sitka blue line city bus, which drops passengers 200 yards (183 meters) from the entrance.

When to Get There

The Fortress of the Bear is open daily from May through September, with hours that vary in the off-season. Keep in mind that the last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing. In order to offer a more natural environment for the bears, there is no set feeding schedule at the sanctuary.

Where to See Wildlife in Sitka

Brown bears aren’t the only bucket-list wildlife you’ll encounter in Alaska. Whale-watching cruises on big and small boats offer the chance to see humpback whales, orca whales, minke whales, and more. Next, visit the Alaska Raptor Center, where bald eagles and other fierce flyers can be spotted in both enclosed facilities and the surrounding forest.

Ways to explore

Tickets to Fortress of the Bear are good for 40-minute windows—that includes a 30-minute tour led by a naturalist guide and 10 minutes to view the bears on your own from the observation decks, a mere 25 feet (7 meters) away. On certain dates, tickets must be purchased in advance, so check the calendar.

The Fortress of the Bear is easy to visit independently or via cruise-ship excursion. It’s also a stop on many half- and full-day tours of Sitka, with both private and small-group options available.

Accessibility

The Fortress of the Bear is wheelchair accessible with flat viewing areas.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera with zoom lens, binoculars, rain jacket, water bottle

What to wear

Waterproof jacket, comfortable clothes, sturdy walking shoes with good traction

Not allowed

Photography and behavior that disturbs other visitors and the bears

Amenities

Gift shop, restrooms, covered viewing areas, beverage area

Address 

Fortress of the Bear is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of downtown Sitka. It’s easy to get there independently, via taxi, or on a guided tour.

Driving

From downtown Sitka, head south on Sawmill Creek Road for about 5 miles (8 kilometers). The facility is clearly marked with signage and has free on-site parking.

Public transportation

Sitka has a ton of shuttle buses and van companies geared toward visitors. Beyond that, since there’s limited public transit in Sitka, your best bet is a taxi or guided tour.

Best times to visit

Midday (around 11am to 2pm) is when the bears are most active and feeding demonstrations are regular.

Best days to visit

It’s all about those boats—check Sitka's cruise schedule to avoid peak visitor times if you prefer a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

The facility is closed November to March; try to visit in the shoulder seasons (March–April or September–October) to avoid the biggest crowds.

Special events

Visit during Sitka's Alaska Day Festival (October) to combine bear viewing with historical celebrations, or during the Sitka Summer Music Festival (June) for a cultural complement to your wildlife experience.